In the aftermath of an attack carried out by the al-Nusra Front terrorist organization, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) declared their intentions to help and protect the inhabitants of the Druze village. The attack was in the form of a suicide bombing which took place in the Syrian village of Hader – claiming the lives of at least nine and wounding 23 The village of Hader is populated by Druze, a minority religious sect present in both Syria and Israel. The village of Hader is located just a few kilometers from the Israeli border with Syria.

IDF Spokesperson Ronen Manelis, on Friday, made the following statement:

“In the past few hours, fighting has intensified in the Druze village of Hader in the Syrian controlled part of the Golan Heights. IDF Chief of Staff Gadi Eizenkot, Commander of the Military Intelligence Unit, Maj. Gen. Yoel Strik, and the Commander of the Bashan Division, Brigadier General Yaniv Asor, held an assessment of the situation in the last few minutes. The IDF is prepared and ready to help the villagers and prevent damage or occupation of the village of Hader out of a commitment to the Druze population. The claims of Israeli involvement and assistance to global jihad elements in the fighting on the Golan Heights are groundless.”

The declaration came as a surprise to journalists around the world who were quick to report on it. Generally, Israel is quiet about foreign affairs efforts that relate to fighting and military intelligence, especially to foreign affairs that relate to an enemy, like Syria. Although Friday’s statement is new, Israel’s efforts to assist the civilian casualties from the war in Syria have been ongoing. In a recent visit to Israel, the American comedian Conan O’Brien, made a visit to an Israeli hospital near the border which has treated Syrian patients who were casualties from the Syrian civil war. In Israel the physical as well as psychological injuries suffered by the Syrian victims are treated and attended to. Watch the video of Conan’s visit below.

In a recent AFP video, Syrian refugees fleeing from Syria to Israel can be seen en route. The refugees express their thanks to Israel for helping them in their time of need. Samir, one of the recovering Syrian’s who appears in clip said, “The Syrian government always told us that Israel is an enemy country and that it is better to be in touch with the devil than with Israelis.” Hani, another wounded Syrian receiving treatment in Israel, told AFP, “I thank the nurses and doctors and all those who helped me and I thank the state of Israel for the help given to Syrians.”

In recent news, the IDF saved 2 anti-IDF women after they were surrounded by local Arabs who attacked them. The compassion and humane character with which the IDF conducts itself is astounding. We thank the IDF for keeping Israel safe and for their efforts to protect even those people who are against the State of Israel. How fortunate are we to have such an amazing army with which to lead by example.